On January 27-29th, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) completed the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, which occurs every two years. This agency, with the help of Federal, State, County, and City funds, provides shelter, housing and services to thousands of homeless in L.A. County. Their main mission, "is to support, create and sustain solutions to homelessness in Los Angeles County." Results of the 2015 survey are not yet available.Contributed by Osmany Felipe, LA High journalism student.

Results of 2013 Los Angeles Homeless survey:

Citywide 29,682;

Male 19,819; Female 6,809;

Male Children 1,574; Female children 1,479

Chronically homeless 7,173; Substance abuse 8,997;

Mentally Ill 8,749; Vets 3,403; Aids survivors 283

Domestic violence survivors 2,642;

Physical Disability 5,342

AGE

56% 25-54; 11% 18 – 24; 11% under 18; 8% 62+;

14% 55-61

Ethnicity

43% African American/Black 33% White/Caucasian

21% Hispanic/Latino 1% multi racial

1% American Indian/Alaskan native

1% Asian/Pacific Islander

Number of Unsheltered Homelessness increased 67% since 2011

Majority of Unsheltered Homeless within LA County (73%)

Notable exceptions

– CD 5 (65% Sheltered)

– CD 6 (51% Sheltered)

– CD 14 (51% Sheltered)

HOMELESSNESS IN CD10

Compare 2011 to 2013

In 2011

998 total; 763 single adults; 234 family members

1 unaccompanied youth

In 2013

1,168 total; 924 single adults; 240 family members

4 unaccompanied youth

The City of Los Angeles shows a trend of decreased Sheltered and increased Unsheltered Homelessness.

Likely contributing factors to these increases:

– Continuing, persistent recession and high unemployment

– The loss of critical resources available under ARRA, Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing funds

– Lack of adequate affordable housing coupled with rising rents

– Prison realignment strategies

– Continued use of Community Development Block Grant Program funding formulas that heavily funds "age of housing" structures over lack of affordable housing.

About Us

Established in August of 2008 by writer, artist Dianne V. Lawrence, The Neighborhood News covers the events, people, history, politics and historic architecture of communities throughout the Mid-City and West Adams area in Los Angeles Council District 10.